Airstream Travel Trailer Pottery Barn Special Edition 2023 User Manual
Safety
Safety Precautions
Many things can be construed as safety-related, but the most important is your common sense. If you are careless with matches, cigarettes, flammable material, or any other hazardous material, you surely realize your potential for accidents is greatly increased.
You will find many safety recommendations in this section and throughout the manual. The following recommendations are the ones we consider to be the most important.
Transporting of Passengers
The transporting of people in the trailer puts their lives at risk and may be illegal. The trailer does not have seat belts, therefore, it is not designed to carry passengers.
Towing and Weight Distribution
Weight distribution is an important factor when loading your travel trailer. A recreational vehicle with the cargo distributed properly will result in efficient, trouble-free towing. Refer to Section 7 – Towing for more information.
Controlling Sway
Sway or fishtailing is the sideways action of a trailer caused by external forces. Excessive sway of your travel trailer can lead to the rollover of the trailer and tow vehicle, resulting in serious injury or death. Refer to Section 7 – Towing for more information.
Lug Nut Torquing
Making sure wheel mounting nuts (lug nuts) on trailer wheels are tight and properly torqued is an important responsibility that trailer owners and users need to understand and practice. Inadequate and/or inappropriate wheel nut torque (tightness) is a major cause of lug nuts loosening in service. Loose lug nuts can rapidly lead to a wheel separation, resulting in potentially serious safety consequences. See torque pattern in Section 8 – Maintenance for tightening sequence, and follow torque specifications in Section 4 – Floor Plans and Specifications.
Tire Safety
Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load-carrying capability of your vehicle. Refer to Section 8 – Maintenance for tire care and safety information. Also, be sure to read the Tire Safety Manual Addendum included with your owner’s packet.
Appliances and Equipment
The appliances (cooktop) and equipment (hot water heater, furnace, etc.) typically operate on liquefied petroleum gas. LP gas is flammable and is contained under high pressure. Improper use may result in a fire and/or explosion. Make sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual as well as those in the specific owner’s manuals of the appliances and equipment.
Mold
Mold and mold spores exist throughout indoor and outdoor environments. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; however, the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. Refer to Section 3 – General Information for information on controlling condensation and molds.
Chemical Sensitivity and Ventilation
Chemical Sensitivity
Immediately after the purchase of your new recreational vehicle, and sometimes, after it has been closed up for an extended period of time, you may notice a strong odor and/or experience a chemical sensitivity. This is not a defect in your recreational vehicle. Like your home, there are many different products used in the construction of recreational vehicles, such as carpet, linoleum, plywood, insulation, upholstery, etc. Formaldehyde is also the by-product of combustion and numerous household products, such as some paints, coatings, and cosmetics. However, recreational vehicles are much smaller than your home and therefore, the exchange of air inside a recreational vehicle is significantly less than in a home. These products, when new or when exposed to elevated temperatures and/or humidity, may off-gas different chemicals, including formaldehyde. This off-gassing, in combination with the minimal air exchange, may cause you to experience irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as sometimes headache, nausea, and a variety of asthma-like symptoms. Elderly persons and young children, as well as anyone with a history of asthma, allergies, or lung problems, may be more susceptible to the effects of off-gassing.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance and is an important chemical used widely by industries
to manufacture building materials and numerous household products. It is also a by-product of combustion and certain other natural processes. Thus, it may be present inside the trailer with some individuals being sensitive to it. Ventilation of the unit normally reduces the exposure to a comfortable level.
Trace levels of formaldehyde are released from smoking; cooking; use of soaps and detergents, such as carpet shampoos, cosmetics; and many other household products. Some people are very sensitive to formaldehyde while others may not have any reaction to the same levels of formaldehyde. Amounts released decrease over time.
Your Airstream trailer was manufactured using low formaldehyde-emitting (LFE) wood products, use of which is typical in the recreation vehicle industry. Formaldehyde has an important role in
the adhesives used to bind wood products used in recreation vehicles. The wood products in your trailer are designed to emit formaldehyde at or lower than industry guidelines and should not produce symptoms in most individuals.
While LFE wood products typically do not emit formaldehyde at a level that would cause symptoms in most individuals, it is possible, though not likely, for that to occur when the trailer is not properly ventilated. Ventilation is an essential requirement for trailer use, for many reasons. Any effects of formaldehyde can be greatly reduced by actions such as opening windows, opening roof vents, running the air conditioner, or some combination thereof. In addition, the emission of formaldehyde by these products naturally decreases rapidly over time.
Airstream strongly suggests that you take measures to properly ventilate your trailer on a regular basis. If you have any questions with respect to proper ventilation of your trailer, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or Airstream.
Ventilation
To reduce or lessen exposure to chemicals from off-gassing, it is of utmost importance that you ventilate your recreational vehicle. Ventilation should occur frequently after purchase and at times when the temperatures and humidity are elevated. Remember, off-gassing is accelerated by heat and humidity. Open windows, exhaust vents, and doors. Operate ceiling and/or other fans, roof air conditioners, and furnaces. Use a fan to force stale air out and bring fresh air in. Decreasing the flow of air by sealing the recreational vehicle increases the formaldehyde level in the vehicle’s indoor air.
Do Not Smoke
It is recommended you do not smoke inside your recreational vehicle. In addition to causing damage
to your recreational vehicle, tobacco smoke releases formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals.
Medical Advice
Questions regarding the effects of formaldehyde on your health should be submitted to your doctor or local health department.
Alarms and Detectors
Smoke Alarm
A smoke alarm is provided with your trailer. A manual pertaining to the alarm is included in the paperwork given to you at the dealership. Please read and follow all care, maintenance, and safety information contained in the smoke alarm manual.
The smoke alarm will beep once a minute for at least 30 days when the battery is weak. The battery must immediately be replaced with a fresh one.
WARNING
Alarm battery is shipped deactivated. Check your alarm for proper battery installation. To activate battery, new Airstream owner’s must install included battery to proper orientation.
WARNING
Smoke alarms have a limited life. The unit should be replaced immediately if it is not operating properly. You should always replace a smoke alarm after 10 years from the date of purchase. Write the purchase date on the space provided on the back of unit.
If service is required or you have not received a smoke alarm user’s manual, please contact the manufacturer, your dealer, or Airstream Customer Service.
Liquid Propane Gas (LPG)/Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector
This detector has a five-year life; see end-of-life notification in the detectors manual. Please read the entire detector manual before operating the unit.
The LPG/CO detector is located in the galley area. LPG is a mixture of gases produced and sold commercially as a fuel for heating and cooking appliances. LPG is highly flammable and, as a result, can be explosive if ignited under certain circumstances. LPG is heavier than air and, if confined in a closed space, will accumulate close to the floor.
